Last Updated: May 29, 2026
Quick Answer
Egg freezing in BC typically costs between $6,000 and $12,000 per cycle, plus annual storage fees of $300 to $600. The procedure is not covered by BC MSP, though the BC Fertility Program offers a one-time $19,000 grant for eligible patients who need fertility preservation for medical reasons. The process takes approximately two weeks from the start of hormone injections to egg retrieval, and BC has several accredited fertility clinics offering this service in Vancouver, Victoria, and other major centres.
What Is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique that allows individuals to store unfertilized eggs for future use. The process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs through a minor surgical procedure, and then flash-freezing them using a method called vitrification.
Unlike earlier slow-freezing methods, vitrification has significantly improved survival rates for frozen eggs. Modern techniques allow eggs to be stored indefinitely without degradation in quality, giving individuals more control over their reproductive timeline.
People choose egg freezing for various reasons:
- Elective or social egg freezing: Preserving fertility while focusing on career, education, or waiting for the right partner
- Medical egg freezing: Protecting fertility before cancer treatment, surgery, or other medical interventions that may affect ovarian function
- Gender-affirming care: Preserving eggs before hormone therapy or surgery
Egg freezing does not guarantee a future pregnancy, but it does provide options. When you are ready to conceive, your frozen eggs can be thawed, fertilized through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and transferred to your uterus as embryos.
For more information about fertility treatments in British Columbia, visit our guide on fertility services in BC.
Egg Freezing Cost in BC (2026)
Understanding the full cost of egg freezing in BC requires looking at several components. The total investment typically ranges from $7,500 to $15,000 for your first cycle, with ongoing annual storage fees afterward.
Breakdown of Typical Costs
| Cost Component | Price Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | $200 - $400 |
| Fertility testing and bloodwork | $300 - $600 |
| Ovarian stimulation medications | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Monitoring appointments (ultrasounds, bloodwork) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Egg retrieval procedure | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| Egg freezing (vitrification) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| First year of storage (sometimes included) | $0 - $500 |
Medication Costs
Fertility medications represent a significant portion of your total cost. The exact amount depends on your dosage, which your doctor will determine based on your age, ovarian reserve, and response to stimulation. Some clinics offer medication packages or can help you find lower-cost pharmacy options.
Multiple Cycles
Many fertility specialists recommend banking 15 to 20 eggs for a reasonable chance of a future live birth, particularly for individuals over 35. Depending on how many eggs you retrieve per cycle, you may need two or three cycles to reach this goal, which significantly increases your total investment.
Some BC clinics offer discounted rates for subsequent cycles or package pricing for multiple retrievals.
Is Egg Freezing Covered by BC MSP?
Standard elective egg freezing is not covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). The procedure is considered an out-of-pocket expense for most patients.
However, there are some coverage options to be aware of:
BC Fertility Program Grant
The BC government offers a one-time grant of up to $19,000 through the BC Fertility Program for eligible patients. This grant primarily covers IVF treatment, but patients who require medical fertility preservation may be eligible for funding support.
To qualify for the grant, you generally must:
- Be a BC resident with valid MSP coverage
- Have a medical indication for fertility treatment
- Meet specific clinical criteria
Patients facing cancer treatment or other medical conditions that threaten their fertility should discuss grant eligibility with their fertility clinic. The application process is handled through participating clinics.
Private Insurance
Some extended health benefits plans through employers now include fertility preservation coverage. Check with your human resources department or insurance provider to see if your plan covers:
- Fertility medications
- Diagnostic testing
- Egg retrieval procedures
- Storage fees
Coverage varies widely between plans, so review your policy details carefully.
Tax Credits
While not direct coverage, medical expenses related to fertility treatment may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit on your federal and provincial tax returns. Keep all receipts and consult with a tax professional about eligible expenses.
The Egg Freezing Process — Step by Step
The egg freezing journey typically spans four to six weeks from your initial consultation to egg retrieval. Here is what to expect at each stage:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your first appointment involves meeting with a reproductive endocrinologist to discuss your goals, medical history, and whether egg freezing is appropriate for you. The doctor will explain the process, success rates for your age, and answer your questions.
Cost: $200 to $400
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Step 2: Fertility Testing
Before starting treatment, you will undergo baseline testing to assess your ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health:
- Blood tests: AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone), FSH, LH, estradiol, and other hormone levels
- Transvaginal ultrasound: Antral follicle count to estimate the number of eggs your ovaries may produce
- Infectious disease screening: Standard testing required before any assisted reproduction procedure
These results help your doctor design your stimulation protocol and set realistic expectations for egg yield.
Step 3: Ovarian Stimulation
Once your testing is complete and you have received your medications, you will begin daily hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries. This phase typically lasts 10 to 14 days.
You will inject medications at home, usually in the evening. Most patients use a combination of:
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to promote egg development
- A GnRH antagonist to prevent premature ovulation
During stimulation, you will visit the clinic every two to three days for monitoring ultrasounds and blood tests. These appointments track your follicle growth and hormone levels, allowing your doctor to adjust medication dosages as needed.
Step 4: Trigger Shot
When your follicles reach the appropriate size (typically 18 to 20 mm), you will receive a "trigger shot" of hCG or a GnRH agonist. This injection triggers final egg maturation and prepares the eggs for retrieval exactly 36 hours later.
Timing is critical at this stage. Your clinic will provide precise instructions about when to administer this injection.
Step 5: Egg Retrieval
The retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation at your fertility clinic. Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor inserts a thin needle through the vaginal wall to aspirate eggs from each follicle.
Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
Recovery: Most patients rest at the clinic for one to two hours before going home
You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Plan to take the rest of the day off and potentially the following day as well. Common side effects include cramping, bloating, and mild discomfort.
Step 6: Vitrification and Storage
Immediately after retrieval, embryologists assess your eggs for maturity. Mature eggs are then vitrified (flash-frozen) and placed in storage tanks filled with liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees Celsius.
Your clinic will inform you how many mature eggs were successfully frozen, typically within 24 hours of your retrieval.
Best Age to Freeze Eggs in BC
The ideal age to freeze eggs is in your late 20s to early 30s, when egg quality and quantity are typically at their peak. However, the decision involves balancing biological factors with personal circumstances.
Age Considerations
| Age Range | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | Highest egg quality, but many individuals are not yet ready to invest in fertility preservation |
| 30 to 34 | Often considered the "sweet spot" balancing egg quality with life readiness |
| 35 to 37 | Still good outcomes, though you may need more eggs or multiple cycles |
| 38 to 40 | Declining egg quality means lower success rates per egg, but freezing now is better than waiting |
| Over 40 | Success rates drop significantly; some clinics have age limits for elective freezing |
The Numbers to Consider
Fertility specialists often recommend banking 15 to 20 mature eggs for a reasonable chance at a future live birth. The number of eggs retrieved per cycle varies based on your age and ovarian reserve:
- At age 30, you might retrieve 10 to 15 eggs per cycle
- At age 38, you might retrieve 5 to 10 eggs per cycle
This means younger patients often achieve their egg banking goals in fewer cycles.
Egg Freezing Success Rates by Age
Success rates for egg freezing depend heavily on the age at which eggs were frozen, not the age at which you use them. This is one of the primary benefits of fertility preservation.
Estimated Live Birth Rates Per Egg
| Age at Freezing | Estimated Live Birth Rate Per Mature Egg |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | 8% to 10% |
| 35 to 37 | 6% to 8% |
| 38 to 40 | 4% to 6% |
| Over 40 | 2% to 4% |
What This Means in Practice
If you freeze 15 eggs at age 32, you have a statistically reasonable chance of achieving at least one live birth when you are ready to use them. If you freeze the same number at age 39, your chances are lower because egg quality declines with age.
It is important to understand that these are population averages. Individual outcomes vary based on many factors, including sperm quality (when using the eggs), uterine health, and the specific circumstances of your IVF cycle.
For more detailed information about IVF outcomes and costs, see our guide on IVF costs in BC.
Egg Storage Costs in BC
After your eggs are frozen, you will pay annual storage fees to keep them preserved at your clinic. These ongoing costs are an important part of your long-term budget.
Typical Annual Storage Fees
| Clinic Type | Annual Storage Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Major fertility clinics | $300 to $600 per year |
| Some clinics | Offer discounted multi-year packages |
Most clinics include the first year of storage in their initial freezing fee, with annual billing beginning in year two.
Long-Term Storage Considerations
- Eggs can be stored indefinitely without degradation
- Some individuals store eggs for 10 years or more before using them
- Over a decade, storage fees can add $3,000 to $6,000 to your total investment
- If you relocate, eggs can be transferred to another facility (additional fees apply)
Be sure to keep your contact information updated with your clinic and respond promptly to annual storage renewal notices.
Egg Freezing Clinics in BC
British Columbia has several accredited fertility clinics offering egg freezing services. Most are located in the Metro Vancouver area, with additional options in Victoria and Kelowna.
Vancouver Area Clinics
Olive Fertility Centre
Locations in Vancouver and Surrey
One of BC's largest fertility practices with comprehensive egg freezing programs
Phone: 604-559-9950
Website: olivefertility.com
Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM)
Located in Burnaby
Established clinic offering full fertility preservation services
Phone: 604-422-7276
Website: pacificfertility.ca
Genesis Fertility Centre
Vancouver location
Offers elective and medical egg freezing
Phone: 604-879-3032
Website: genesis-fertility.com
BC Women's Centre for Fertility
Vancouver (part of BC Women's Hospital)
Specializes in medical fertility preservation for cancer patients
Phone: 604-875-2534
Victoria
Victoria Fertility Centre
Serving Vancouver Island residents
Phone: 250-595-5550
Website: victoriafertility.com
Kelowna
Okanagan Fertility Centre
Phone: 250-868-8000
Serves the Okanagan region
Choosing a Clinic
When selecting a clinic, consider:
- Success rates and experience with egg freezing
- Location and appointment availability
- Cost transparency and payment plans
- Patient reviews and comfort level with the care team
Most clinics offer free or low-cost information sessions about egg freezing. These sessions can help you compare options before committing to treatment.
For a comprehensive list of fertility providers, visit our guide on fertility clinics in Vancouver and BC.
FAQ
How long can I store my frozen eggs in BC?
There is no legal time limit for egg storage in British Columbia. Eggs can remain frozen indefinitely without losing viability, as vitrification effectively pauses biological processes. However, you will need to maintain annual storage payments and keep your contact information current with your clinic. Some individuals store eggs for over a decade before using them. Your clinic will contact you annually to confirm your storage wishes and collect payment.
Does the BC Fertility Program grant cover egg freezing?
The $19,000 BC Fertility Program grant primarily covers IVF treatment rather than elective egg freezing. However, patients who require medical fertility preservation due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions affecting fertility may be eligible for financial support. The grant is available once per lifetime and is accessed through participating fertility clinics. If you have a medical indication for egg freezing, discuss grant eligibility with your reproductive endocrinologist during your initial consultation.
How many eggs should I freeze to have a good chance of pregnancy?
Most fertility specialists recommend freezing 15 to 20 mature eggs for a reasonable chance at one live birth, particularly if you are over 35. The exact number depends on your age at freezing, as younger eggs have higher per-egg success rates. Some patients achieve this goal in one cycle, while others require two or three retrievals. Your doctor will discuss realistic expectations based on your ovarian reserve testing and personal goals.
What happens if I never use my frozen eggs?
If you decide not to use your frozen eggs, you have several options. You can continue paying storage fees indefinitely, or you can choose to discard the eggs. Some patients elect to donate their eggs to research or to other individuals trying to conceive. Your clinic will have consent forms outlining your choices. There is no obligation to use your eggs, and many people find peace of mind simply knowing the option exists.
Can I freeze eggs if I am over 40?
While egg freezing is technically possible over age 40, success rates are significantly lower due to natural declines in egg quality. Some BC clinics have age limits for elective egg freezing, typically around 42 or 43, because the likelihood of achieving a future pregnancy decreases substantially. If you are over 40 and considering egg freezing, schedule a consultation as soon as possible. Your fertility specialist can assess your ovarian reserve and provide personalized guidance about whether the procedure is a worthwhile investment for your situation.
Health Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Fertility treatment decisions should be made with a licensed reproductive endocrinologist. For general health questions, call HealthLinkBC at 811.